How often should plumbing be inspected in a Melbourne home?

A full plumbing inspection is recommended every 2-3 years for established Melbourne homes. Key annual checks include the hot water system (for leaks and corrosion), all flexi hoses (for wear and age), the toilet cistern (for running), and a meter test for hidden leaks. Homes with old clay drainage or large trees nearby benefit from a CCTV drain inspection every 3-5 years.

What are flexi hoses and why are they a plumbing risk in Melbourne?

Flexi hoses are the corrugated braided metal hoses connecting taps to water supply pipes under sinks, in laundries, and behind toilets. They degrade over time and can burst suddenly at mains pressure, flooding rooms within minutes. Industry guidance recommends replacing flexi hoses every 10 years regardless of visible condition. Melbourne has the highest insurance claim rate for flexi hose failures of any Australian city.

How do I check for a hidden water leak in my Melbourne home?

Use your water meter to check for hidden leaks. Turn off all water in the home (every tap, appliance, and toilet). Note the exact meter reading including the red digits. Wait 30-60 minutes without using any water. Check the meter again — if it has moved, there is a leak somewhere on your property. A plumber can pinpoint the source with pressure testing and acoustic detection.

Plumbing Maintenance Checklist for Melbourne Homeowners

Proactive plumbing maintenance prevents expensive emergency repairs and protects your property from water damage. Here’s a practical checklist for Melbourne homeowners — organised by how frequently each task should be done.

Monthly

Check under all sinks (kitchen, bathroom, laundry) for any moisture, dripping, or discolouration on the cabinet floor
Check around the base of toilets for any moisture on the floor
Flush all infrequently used drains (spare bathroom, laundry) to keep water in the trap and prevent sewer gas odour
Check that the toilet cistern is not running continuously (listen for faint hissing with the bathroom door closed)

Every 6 Months

Clean tap aerators and showerhead outlets to remove sediment build-up that reduces flow
Test all isolation valves under sinks and behind toilets — turn off and back on to confirm they operate freely (stuck valves are discovered at the worst time)
Check outdoor taps for dripping and inspect visible pipework for corrosion
Clean gutters if trees are nearby (autumn and spring in Melbourne)

Annually

Perform a whole-home leak check using your water meter — turn off all water, wait 30 minutes, check if the meter reading has moved
Inspect the hot water system: check for corrosion at fittings, check the temperature pressure relief valve is not weeping, check for moisture at the base of the tank
Inspect all visible flexi hoses under sinks, in the laundry, and behind washing machines — look for corrosion, kinking, or damage to the outer braid
Service your gas appliances (heater, cooktop, oven) per manufacturer schedule
Check downpipes are clear and water flows away from the house

Every 5 Years

Have the sacrificial anode in your hot water storage tank replaced by a licensed plumber
Replace all flexi hoses throughout the property proactively if they are approaching or past 10 years old
Have a CCTV drain inspection if you have clay drainage pipes or large trees nearby
Service the gas continuous flow hot water system (required every 2 years by Victorian regulation)

When to Call a Plumber Immediately

Call a licensed plumber without delay for: any smell of gas, a burst pipe or flexi hose, sewage backing up through drains, complete loss of hot water, water continuously running from the hot water system relief valve, or any sign of water damage to walls, ceilings, or cabinetry. Rapid response to plumbing emergencies dramatically limits the extent of damage.

Sedcon Plumbing — Maintenance Plumbing Across Melbourne

We provide plumbing maintenance inspections and repairs throughout Melbourne. Call 0468 013 012 to book your annual plumbing check.